Obituary of Alexander Stevens

Alex Stevens was born Nov 7, 1921 in Brooklyn, New York. His parents Michael (Nikita Feodorovich Stepaniuk) and Katerina (Ekaterina Ilchyshyn) were immigrants from Ukraine and the family lived in a Russian-American community in Brooklyn whose families became lifelong friends, akin to an extended family. Alex graduated from Brooklyn Prep and entered the army where he was stationed stateside. His contribution to the war effort was bringing booze across county lines to his army warehouse base, distributing liquor and beer to his comrades in arms as well as the German prisoners of war they oversaw. Before and after the war, he worked alongside his father in the fur -dying business in New York until he found his calling as a highly successful insurance sales professional and agency manage r for Equitable Life. His agency in New York was nicknamed the United Nations due to its international flavor and multi-ethnic makeup. Alex and his wife Sophie (nee Zahalkowitz) were married in 1945 and had three sons, Alexander Jr., Peter and William. Alex and his three sons spent many a festive day and evening celebrating golf rounds and intense tennis doubles battles.

Alex did not believe that social boundaries existed; he only saw people with a story. Consequently, he stepped out of his role as "stranger" or "customer" or "patient" to become friends and discuss personal matters with anyone he encountered in a store or an office. He was truly larger than life and his huge grin, hearty handshake and enthusiastic, contagious friendliness made him known and beloved to most (if not all) the people he met in life. There was not a room big enough to swallow up his gregarious engaging personality. He loved to entertain, and no one came to Alex's house without staying longer than they anticipated, eating more than they really wanted to, and drinking way beyond their normal range.

Alex was blessed to enjoy the extended company of two of his grandsons, Nick and Greg while they lived in Palm City for seven years. He lived long enough to meet his grandson Sam, who was born in 2012. He is survived by two other grandchildren, Michael and Alexandra and two stepchildren, Laura and Dane, and their three children.

He is survived by two other grandchildren Michael and Alexandra; two stepchildren, Laura and Dane, and their three children, Devon, Brett and Jacob; and his wife Nancy.

He traveled the world and enjoyed meeting and especially bargaining with shopkeepers and tradesmen across language and cultural boundaries. He was one of the first American tourists to tour the interior of China by river, and his piercing blue eyes and massive bear-like frame made him a unique sight for Chinese eyes. His dynamic presence made him a photographic highlight for couples on their wedding day at the steps of the Great Hall of the people in Beijing. Couples lined up to have their picture taken with him, delaying the tour and irking the guide. If you visit China you may well see his photo on the wall of a family home. That's my Pop!